Photo credit: Christophe Bariou

French entrepreneur Christophe Bariou, the Siargao-based businessman and partner of actress Nadine Lustre, has spoken out against what he describes as years of “corruption and political greed” on the island he has called home for over a decade.

In a strongly worded Instagram post, Bariou alleged that before the last local elections, individuals claiming to represent certain politicians approached him with an offer to pay ₱50 million in cash to “fix” supposed issues tied to the Union–Malinao Bridge project.

According to Bariou, he and Lustre rejected the proposal. Soon after, he claimed, their businesses were hit by a string of harassment tactics — surprise inspections, delays in permit renewals, and even unauthorized soil testing by unidentified men. Staff members who tried to record the incidents were allegedly intimidated.

“We don’t make deals with corruption — ever,” Bariou wrote, emphasizing that they refused to give in despite the pressure.

He described what’s happening in Siargao as a systemic problem — one where vote-buying, political bullying, and misuse of public funds have become routine.

“Corruption and political greed have been eating away at Siargao for decades,” he said, adding that even development funds are allegedly being diverted for personal gain.

Bariou also criticized local officials who, he claimed, present themselves as public servants while profiting from the communities they are supposed to serve.

“The ship is sinking, and it is sinking fast,” he warned. “But the culprits cannot be made to answer because they are in power.”

Despite the risks, Bariou said he refuses to stay silent. He urged national agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to investigate alleged irregularities behind local infrastructure projects such as the Union–Malinao Bridge.

His post quickly went viral, earning both praise and criticism online. Supporters lauded him for speaking up, while others called on authorities to verify his claims.

Bariou has reportedly filed complaints with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged harassment and irregularities affecting his properties and businesses in Siargao. As of press time, these complaints are still under review.

Government agencies have yet to issue an official response to Bariou’s allegations.
The DPWH has not publicly confirmed whether it is investigating the Union–Malinao Bridge project, which was earlier criticized by environmental groups for allegedly lacking a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

For Bariou, the fight goes beyond business or politics.

“You can rebuild bridges and roads,” he wrote. “But once trust is lost, that’s the hardest thing to restore.”